concerning

Concerning is a preposition in English that means regarding or about. It introduces the topic or subject of a discussion, document, or inquiry. In formal writing, it commonly serves to point attention to a specific matter and is often preferred over more casual synonyms such as about.

As a present participle or adjective, concerning can modify a noun phrase to indicate a matter related to the noun: for example, “concerning matters of health” or “a report concerning your proposal.” It can also appear at the start of a sentence: “Concerning your request, we have questions.”

Grammar and use: Concerning functions as a preposition, not a conjunction, and does not introduce a subordinate clause. It is more formal than “about” and tends to appear in written or professional contexts. To convey a similar meaning, writers may choose regarding, with regard to, or in reference to.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb concern, which comes from Old French concerner, ultimately from Latin con- “with” + cernere “to discern, perceive.”

See also: regarding, with regard to, in reference to. Concerning is commonly used in legal, academic, and formal administrative writing to set the scope of a discussion or document.